We have finally entered the weekend of the Miami Grand Prix, inaugurated as usual by the press conference. There are many topics to talk about, including the introduction of a new circuit. The first to give their opinion on the new track were Pierre Gasly, Lance Stroll, Sergio Perez, Alex Albon and Lewis Hamilton.
"I think there will be a lot of action here, overall I think they have conceived a good layout”, begins the French of Alpha Tauri, followed by the Canadian of Aston Martin: “It looks like a fun track, narrow and demanding. I think we can see a good race with overtaking opportunities at 17".
Expected show
Perez then predicts numerous battles thanks to the long straights of the circuit, while Albon focuses on the curbs: “Difficult as a track, I had difficulties on the simulator and I think the curbs will be a theme. But the track is beautiful and I expect a show".
Hamilton between track and FIA
Hamilton, on the other hand, preferred to talk about something else: “Nice track, nothing more to add. The jewels that the FIA prohibits? Again, I don't have much to add compared to last time. I think it's a step backwards compared to those taken forward as a sport. I've been wearing them for sixteen years, there are more important things. An unnecessary dispute. I'm here, I will try to communicate with FIA and F1 to be an ally of this sport. But I think the important issues are others".
"We will give everything, we will try to give our best“, continues the English champion, who remains realistic about Mercedes' possibilities for this weekend. “We are working hard and we have a new rear wing. Closer to the former? I don't expect a big change actually".
The trust of Ferrari motorized drivers
Among the riders interviewed in the second round, Kevin Magnussen, Yuki Tsunoda and Valtteri Bottas said they were confident of repeating the excellent performance they had at Imola which led them to score some good points. Esteban Ocon, back from a disappointing race in Italy, explained: “We have worked to fix everything and we hope that with the new specification we can score more points. The car knows how to go fast and now we have to materialize. We also tried tires for next year, with a program that allowed us to experiment".
Word to the world champion
Max Verstappen is also enthusiastic about the new circuit: “We think we have a good car and this is a new track to get to know. Its condition, the tarmac… The fast corners are nice, the long straights and the tight sections make it an interesting circuit“. Reigning champion status and a newfound Sergio Perez will surely spur him on to give it his all and look for win number 3 of the season.
Leclerc: "Ready to move on"
The third group, made up of Charles Leclerc, Fernando Alonso, Mick Schumacher, Nicholas Latifi and Daniel Ricciardo, all share the hope of making up for it after an unlucky weekend at Imola. As for the Monegasque, the wish is to be able to fight closely with Red Bull: “After Imola I moved on, we lost some points and I analyzed the situation. Since the beginning of the season we have always been there, with a close battle with Red Bull. We will give everything and hopefully we can win".
Despite the unfortunate start to the season, Alonso feels fit and ready to do well: “Only two points in the championship, it seems strange after a good start to the season, perhaps the best since 2012. We were unlucky for some episodes, like in Arabia and Melbourne. But it's only a matter of time, I feel strong and fast. Do I believe in luck? Yes, good and bad luck balance out sooner or later. A new circuit is always a challenge, you have to find confidence right away. You have to adapt quickly. It will be a fun weekend".
In the fourth and final round, Sebastian Vettel, Carlos Sainz, George Russell, Lando Norris and Guanyu Zhou took the floor. The German four-time world champion shared the opinion of colleague and friend Lewis Hamilton regarding the introduction of a jewelery ban in the car: “The issue of jewels banned by the FIA? Needless to overinflate this argument that has become a personal thing towards Hamilton. But there are more inspiring things to talk about. Sure, safety is important and we're old enough to make choices".
"I also got to share my opinions and concerns about what's still going on in South Florida and it was nice to chat“. Vettel, in fact, had presented himself at the opening ceremony of the Grand Prix with a white t-shirt bearing the inscription "Miami 2060, first underwater GP. Act now or swim later“, demonstrating once again his commitment to the fight against climate change.
Ransom target
From a former Ferrari driver to a current Cavallino driver. Carlos Sainz is confident of reversing the trend of the last two races, which saw him pick up two retirements and zero points, drawing inspiration from his favorite team, Real Madrid: “When something happens that is not in your control, like at Imola, you have to put it behind you. I focused on Miami and also enjoyed the city. Real Madrid? 5' is enough to turn things around, I have 19 races. We will have to take advantage of every opportunity starting this weekend".
Finally, the two Britons are realistic about the weekend they will face. “We have things to try even if we don't have a magic wand. But what we're going to do here will give us direction”, said the Mercedes driver, followed by the McLaren number 4: “Our car has improved and we are on the right track. Maybe I don't expect a place in the top three, but we'll try to be there to score points".
The action on the track begins at 20:30 with the first free practice sessions!
